the Sharp End Podcast Ep 120 - Surviving Mount Washington - Matthew and Jeremy
Jan 1, 2026
Matthew Boylett, head athletic trainer and outdoor enthusiast, and Jeremy Smith, quality and food safety manager and pragmatic outdoorsman, recount a harrowing Mount Washington hike. They describe sudden whiteouts, swollen rivers, improvised shelters, rope crossings, navigation choices, teamwork under stress, gear lessons, and how the ordeal strengthened their friendship.
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Spring Trip Turned Serious Fast
- Matthew and Jeremy planned a two-night trip on the Gulfside Trail and started from Pinkham Notch toward Hermit Lake Shelter. Early-season snow, damp gear, and underestimated conditions set the scene for later problems.
Weather Turned In Seconds On The Ridge
- While ridge-walking above treeline, fog and sudden wind gusts reduced visibility to 15–20 feet and pushed them off balance. That rapid weather change forced them to abandon the planned AT descent and choose an alternate route down the Buttress Trail.
Quick Exit Led To Unmaintained Chaos
- The Buttress Trail seemed quicker but was unmaintained and full of deep snow causing waist-deep post-holing and soaked gear. Their chosen descent led them off-route toward Jefferson Brook and dangerous, swollen rapids they could not cross.